SPRINGFIELD – Police said they arrested a 27-year-old man on cocaine-related charges in the North End Monday afternoon after seeing him make a drug transaction while sitting near the entry way of a building on Lowell Street.

Gabriel Rivas was ordered held in lieu of $5,000 cash bail following his arraignment in district court.

Officer John Wadlegger saw the suspect sit on a wall, near 101 Lowell St., at about 4:30 p.m., reach into his left sweater sleeve and retrieve several items which he placed on the wall, according to a press release issued by Springfield police.

Wadlegger then saw a female sit down next to him and place cash on the wall. She then took the items, the suspect grabbed the cash and both went on their way.

Police arrested Rivas in front of 74 Lowell St. and they found 3.6 grams of crack cocaine squirreled away inside his sleeve.

Rivas, of 26 Demond St., was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and violation of a drug-free zone.

He denied the charges in court and was ordered to return on Nov. 3 for a bindover hearing.